In a landmark cultural moment, UNESCO adds Deepavali to the prestigious Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the ongoing Intergovernmental Committee session for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), hosted by India at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort. This global recognition highlights the cultural, spiritual and social significance of the festival, celebrated by millions across the world. With this decision, UNESCO adds Deepavali to a diverse global list that honors living traditions.
Deepavali, widely known as Diwali, is India’s most cherished festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The inclusion was finalized during a key UNESCO meeting held as part of the ICH session. This year, UNESCO adds Deepavali alongside a variety of cultural traditions from countries like Ghana, Cyprus, Egypt, Iceland, Georgia and Ethiopia, making the 2024–25 list one of the most diverse in recent years.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reacted emotionally to the development, calling the recognition a matter of pride for every Indian. He also said the UNESCO tag comes with responsibility, urging everyone to safeguard the festival’s traditions and ensure they continue to flourish. At a moment when UNESCO adds Deepavali to the global heritage list, India’s cultural influence stands even stronger on the world stage.
The session also highlighted India’s growing leadership in global cultural preservation. Notably, the 2025 ICH session will be chaired by HE Vishal V Sharma, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. This underlines India’s expanding role in shaping global conversations on heritage.
Along with India, many other nations had their cultural symbols recognized. These include Iceland’s swimming pool culture, Ghana’s highlife music and dance, Ethiopia’s Gifaataa festival, Czechia’s amateur theatre tradition, El Salvador’s confraternity of flowers and palms, Cyprus’s Commandaria wine, Egypt’s Koshary dish, Cuba’s Cuban Son practice and Yemen’s Hadrami Dan gathering.
With this inclusion, UNESCO adds Deepavali to a global catalogue that protects cultural diversity and ensures that the festival remains a cherished tradition for generations ahead.
FAQs
Q1. What does it mean when UNESCO adds Deepavali to the heritage list?
It means UNESCO has officially recognized Deepavali as a living cultural tradition that deserves global preservation.
Q2. Why did UNESCO add Deepavali this year?
UNESCO adds Deepavali following India’s proposal and its importance as a festival celebrated across generations.
Q3. Which other cultural traditions were added along with Deepavali?
Ghana’s highlife music, Egypt’s Koshary, Ethiopia’s Gifaataa festival, Cyprus’s Commandaria wine and more.
Q4. Does this UNESCO status change how Deepavali is celebrated?
No, but the recognition encourages safeguarding its cultural, spiritual and traditional practices.
